MOREE and District Historical Society on Saturday launched NSW History Week with a huge trash-and-treasure fundraising stall, raffle draw, morning tea and cake-cutting ceremony, and the official opening of its newly-created Water Room.
The theme for NSW History Week is Water Stories, and the new Moree Plains Museum Water Room complemented the state launch perfectly.
Historical society research officer, Jeni Bruno, said the museum’s Water Room celebrates the history and importance of water in the Moree region.
“This exhibition has been a true community achievement, and it would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity and support of so many people,” Mrs Bruno said.
“Countless hours of planning, researching, collecting and preparing by society members and volunteers, especially our researcher Micheal McNamara, have brought this display to life.”
The Water Room was made possible through funding provided in partnership with the Gwydir Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program – part of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water – and Moree Plains Museum.
“Program co-ordinators Adrian Black and Simon Stroud guided us and helped along the way and our society president, Neville Campbell, and his gang of men, built new partitions to mount all the photos,” Mrs Bruno said.
“It’s been a huge team effort, and I sincerely thank everyone for their support, hard work and belief in preserving our history.”
Mrs Bruno said the Water Room is more than an exhibition.
“It is a celebration of our shared history, our resilience, and our deep connection to our rivers and waterways,” she said.
“And this room is just the beginning. Like our other rooms, the Water Room will change and be updated as more items are added.”
A raffle was drawn with first prize, a Swann home security system and Assef’s voucher, won by Rhiannan Barr.
Second prize, a Russell Hobbs air-fryer, South Moree Butchery voucher and Maslina Bar and Grill voucher, was won by Ken Wells.
Third prize, a Nicole Alexander book bundle, Love Local Moree gift card and a Russell Hobbs air-fryer, was won by Byron O’Donnell.
To close History Week and the museum’s focus on Water Stories, this Sunday, September 14, Moree and District Historical Society members will lead a walk through Moree cemetery to share its history.
The 2pm guided tour will feature shared stories about people whose lives were marked by particularly tragic water events.
The walk is suitable for all ages, and afternoon tea will be provided.
For further information about the cemetery walk, or to contribute photographs or stories to the Water Room, please contact Moree Plains Museum at admin@moreehistory.org or call Michael McNamara on 0429 608244.
Moree and District Historical Society Cemetery Walk
When: Sunday, September 14
Where: Moree Cemetery
Time: 2pm
